Urban Night Sky Places

An IDA Urban Night Sky Place is a municipal park, open space, observing site, or other similar property near or surrounded by large urban environs whose planning and design actively promote an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of significant artificial light. By virtue of their characteristics, these sites do not qualify for designation within any other International Dark Sky Places category. However, they are worthy of recognition for their efforts to educate the public on the benefits of proper outdoor lighting that ensures public safety while minimizing potential harm to the natural nighttime environment.

Certified IDA Urban Night Sky Places

Designate an Urban Night Sky Place

IDA designates International Dark Sky Places following a rigorous application process requiring applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark sky protection and document designation-specific program requirements. Learn more and start the process here.

Download the current Urban Night Sky Place guidelines

2021 Submission Deadline Dates

At this time our final deadline in 2021 for accepting completed IDSP nominations is now full, and we will not add any additional nominations to the existing roster. We will announce our new cycle for accepting completed nominations at the beginning of 2022. If you have any questions, reach out to the Director of Conservation.